Progress At Much Cost

“When we traded homemaking for careers, we were implicitly promised economic independence and worldly influence. But a devil of a bargain it has turned out to be in terms of daily life. We gave up the aroma of warm bread rising, the measured pace of nurturing routines, the creative task of molding our families’ tastes and zest for life; we received in exchange the minivan and the Lunchable.”

I would say no, the end is not worth the means. Of course I say that while living a life of creature comforts. Would I feel differently if I had fewer options? I think we’re creatures of discontent, most often. That grass over there always looks greener, ya know?

I compare the life of my great grandmother to my grandmother: frugal, earthly living, most things done by hand vs the bored life of a homemaker who had every convenience and chose to socialize rather than grow garden or other things that would keep her busy.

I’d prefer to emulate the methods of the eldest. And I do – but at great cost, because I’m required by cultural expectations to keep a full time job to make ends meet.

Whoops! There I go on my soapbox, lol Thank you for the comment. I do enjoy the discussions.